The Tulane Green Wave capped off a remarkable season by capturing the American Conference Championship, and in doing so, they earned a well-deserved spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 11 seed. It’s a testament to how far the program has come-and at the center of it all has been head coach Jon Sumrall.
Sumrall’s stock has been rising rapidly, and it didn’t take long for a Power 4 program to come calling. After Tulane’s regular season wrapped, Sumrall accepted the head coaching job at Florida, marking a major leap in his coaching career. But unlike some recent coaching transitions, this one comes with a twist: Sumrall will remain on the sidelines for Tulane through the CFP.
Yes, Sumrall is coaching Tulane in the College Football Playoff.
In an era where coaching departures often lead to immediate exits-especially with high-stakes postseason games looming-Sumrall’s situation stands out. Both Tulane and Florida gave the green light for him to finish what he started with the Green Wave, allowing him to lead the team into the postseason spotlight. It’s a move that speaks volumes about the mutual respect between the two programs and Sumrall’s commitment to his players.
And while his future is in Gainesville, Sumrall is making sure his impact in New Orleans won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
After accepting the Florida job, Sumrall signed a six-year, $44.7 million contract to become the Gators’ next head coach. That six-year length is notable-Florida hasn’t had a head coach last that long since Urban Meyer, who led the Gators to two national titles from 2005 to 2010. It’s clear Florida sees Sumrall as a long-term investment, someone capable of bringing stability and success to a program that’s been searching for both.
But before he fully turns the page, Sumrall made a gesture that says a lot about his character and connection to Tulane. He donated $100,000 to the Green Wave Talent Fund, the school’s NIL collective, to help new head coach Will Hall hit the ground running in recruiting. That’s not something you see every day-especially from a coach who’s already accepted a new job.
Tulane responded with gratitude, stating that Sumrall’s donation would have a “direct and lasting impact” on the program’s ability to recruit, retain, and develop top-tier student-athletes. For a program that’s rapidly gaining national relevance, that kind of support can be a game-changer.
Sumrall himself put it simply: “Tulane University and New Orleans are special to me and my family. Ginny and I are honored to support the Green Wave Talent Fund because we believe in the vision of Tulane Athletics and want to contribute to the continued success of its student-athletes.”
That’s not just lip service. That’s a coach who genuinely cares about the program he helped elevate-and who wants to leave it in good hands.
Florida officially announced Sumrall’s hiring on November 30, 2025, with an introductory press conference the following day. But before he dives into the SEC grind, he’s got one more mission in front of him: leading Tulane into the College Football Playoff.
And if the Green Wave continue to ride the momentum they’ve built all season, they won’t just be a feel-good story-they’ll be a real threat.